set free to shine

July 4, 2017

This month millions will enjoy patriotism at its finest… flags flying, fireworks exploding, life sprinkled with red, white and blue.

However, I am reminded of the reality of those still bound in chains. Here in my country, on the surface freedom seems to be a given, but sadly all over the world, there are countless who remain in bondage. We need to see beyond obvious markings like trafficked or trapped or even colors of flags or skin. There is an unseen hold which keeps individuals from the One who not only holds the keys to freedom but who is also in constant pursuit of their heart.

The set free, cry FREEDOM! It truly becomes our rally cry and we become strongly passionate for others to know this freedom. In a world where we women are being bombarded with lies, we need to know there is Truth to hold on to and a real, tangible and eternal freedom for the taking. This freedom in Christ will enable us to shine and truly be RADIANT women.

There was a time in my life I honestly do not know how I was able to breathe. The weight of the chains that held me captive were consuming. Without going into great detail at the moment, would you mind if I gave you a visual? I love the sea and it has the ability to represent so many things. So, here you go… it’s like seeing someone stand waist deep in the ocean. Above the water, everything looks fine, beautiful and even fun. Beneath the surface the real battle to stand on two feet became exhausting, consuming, distracting and even dangerous. Knowing at any time you could be pushed or pulled off balance and taken out even further by the undertow. The undertow can be so dangerous but the ocean is such a beautiful thing… I have a heart for the sea and I am very aware of the power and strength it holds. Beautiful white caps rolling onto the shore and below a twisting and rolling current pulling downward and outward to the vast ocean. What a visual!

Learning to choose God, to surrender all to Him gave me spiritual freedom allowing me to firmly stand on His truths. No longer being tossed around by lies, doubt or shame. Learning to really live in His freedom has been the grandest adventure and it continues to get better with each new day. Here is the big kicker though for me… I have loved God my whole life but His stirring in my heart gave me a new desire to LIVE for Him. This unending pursuit for my heart led to a relationship that has given me unlikely confidence and deep passion for sharing Him with the world. Not only is it truly liberating, but the refining reflects Christ light more clearly. Being RADIANT for Him starts within and transforms our whole life to glorify God. Be radiant for Christ because someone needs you to be. In Jesus Name.

“…but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit. Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up. Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful things, not acting deceitfully or distorting the word of God, but commending ourselves before God to everyone’s conscience by an open display of the truth but if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing in their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. for we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shown in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.”

2 Corinthians 3:16-4:6

Join me this month as we dive into God’s Word together and learn that his truths will set us free to shine!